Key stat
: The Broncos had four possessions that started and ended within the quarter -- none starting beyond their 20 -- but no points against John Pagano’s active defense.

Not in the box score
: Mike Scifres had consecutive net punts of 51 and 67 yards to push the Broncos to their 15 and 12. Chargers end Vaughn Martin broke into the backfield, wrecking Denver’s 3rd-and-1 run attempt by back Lance Moore.

Second quarter

Broncos 17, Chargers 7

Key play
: Broncos linebacker Wesley Woodyard intercepted a Philip Rivers pass and ran it 25 yards to Denver’s 8, setting up Matt Prater’s go-ahead field goal. Rivers, aiming for Danario Alexander, didn’t appear to see Woodyard, who made a rapid retreat and snag.

Key stat
: In nine first-half possessions, San Diego's offense had no points, two first downs, one turnover and 54 total yards.

Not in the boxscore
: The Broncos' Nate Irving was unblocked, leading to a block of a Scifres punt for the second game in a row. Willis McGahee (Broncos) and Quentin Jammer left the game. Jammer's back-up, Shareece Wright, fared well until he was fooled by Peyton Manning's pump fake, enabling Brandon Stokley's 31-yard TD catch. Guards Louis Vasquez and Tyronne Green were sidelined when Von Miller -- unblocked -- sacked Rivers for a 14-yard loss.

Third quarter

Broncos 24, Chargers 16

Key play
: Shaun Phillips sacked Peyton Manning for a safety, two plays after a Scifres punt nailed Denver to its 2. Phillips blew past tight end Virgil Green for his team-high sixth sack, pulling the Chargers to 17-9.

Not in the boxscore
: To open the half, Darrell Stuckey recovered Nick Novak’s onside kick – but the Broncos forced a punt. Vazquez returned and his backup, Rex Hadnot, moved from right guard to left guard.

Fourth quarter

Broncos 30, Chargers 23

Key play
: Continuing his strong game, the speedy Woodyard pressured Rivers into a 4th-and-9 desperate throw that safety Jim Leonhard intercepted, giving Denver possession with a 27-16 lead at its 29 with 9:16 left.

Key stat
: Leonhard’s interception was the third turnover charged to Rivers, one off a fumble.

Not in the boxscore
: Chargers rookie Kendall Reyes had two sacks. Alexander continued to overpower defensive backs as part of a seven-catch game. Broncos Tight end Jacob Tamme, converting on 3rd-and-18, got behind Takeo Spikes to haul in a 31-yard pass.